The Scout: NBA Finals Game 2

Posted on July 8, 2021July 9, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Milwaukee Bucks @ Phoenix Suns

It was a dominant 32-point performance from Chris Paul in Game 1 of the NBA Finals leading Phoenix to a comfortable 118-105 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised most by starting, but it was clear as the game went on that he was not 100%, finishing with just 11 shot attempts.

The Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul pick and roll worked to perfection in Game 1, with CP3 able to force the switch onto either Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis. From there he’s close to unstoppable, isolating and shooting from the midrange, with Ayton a constant lob threat.

It’s always dangerous reading too much into a Game 1, but the Suns really did look the team headed for the title. The Bucks are relying heavily on a banged up Giannis in transition and Khris Middleton isolation plays while the Suns have a number of players who can explode on any given game.

The key for Milwaukee in Game 2 will be an improved showing from Jrue Holiday. He needs to contribute offensively like he did against Atlanta, for the Bucks to be any chance in this game. I expect Holiday to be more aggressive here, with a sharp increase in his 10 points on 14 shot attempts from Game 1.

SUGGESTED BET: Phoenix -5.5 (Line) @ $1.90*

SUGGESTED BET: Jrue Holiday 25+ Points @ $4.25*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 8th July 2021.

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